London Scottish director of rugby Brett Taylor has conceded National Division One leaders Esher are unstoppable, but is yet to give up hope of joining them in the Championship next season.

Esher thrashed third placed Cambridge 53-15 on Saturday, while the Exiles edged past Redruth 16-8 through tries from Charlie Broughton and David Howells.

It means Scottish are only two points adrift of the league leaders - having played two more games - but Taylor admits even that gap is probably too far to bridge.

“I cannot see Esher losing between now and the end of the season,” he said.

“They are a class act and are consistently at a level that is a good 10 per cent higher than anyone else on any given day.

“We are not going to catch Esher this year, so we have to be ready to be successful again come next season.”

Last week’s announcement that former Harlequins and London Wasps chief executive Tony Copsey was to join the Athletic Ground club’s board in the same capacity is a major statement of intent.

And the much documented financial problems at Championship outfits Birmingham & Solihull and Coventry could yet open the door to promotion for the Exiles.

But while a return to the professional ranks by default remains a possibility this year, Taylor has revealed his thoughts are on planning for a title assault next season that would bring them the elevation the club seems destined for.

“We have to keep winning games to put ourselves in a strong position to be considered for promotion if there are any changes above,” he added.

“We are planning for National One rugby next season and to have someone of Tony’s standing in the game on board shows the Board’s ambition.

“As we stand we are tring to put the foundations in place to make sure that if we do move up, we have learnt the lessons of the teams above us and below us.”

Scottish’s next three games: Mar 13 Otley (a), 20 Launceston (a), 27 Stourbridge (a).